Have questions? We're here.
The edge of Greenland's ice cap

Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic

Reykjavik Roundtrip - Example 18 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Endurance
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Arctic trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day Arctic expedition cruise from Reykjavík to Greenland's pristine fjords. After a panoramic overview of Reykjavík's Old Town, explore Iceland's Flatey Island and Westfjords before crossing the Denmark Strait. Along East Greenland's coast, discover stunning fjords and marine life with underwater cameras and Zodiac cruises. Sail between soaring glaciers in Prins Christian Sund and explore Nanortalik's fishing village. Visit Qaqortoq's colonial charm and Hvalsey Church's Norse ruins, then continue to Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Explore Evighed Fjord's glaciers and Kangaamiut's fishing community before reaching Sisimiut and its cultural landmarks. Sail into Disko Bay, marvel at icebergs, and explore Ilulissat's Icefjord. Visit Uummannaq's community museum and Qilakitsoq's archaeological site. Enjoy kayaking in Greenland's fjords and wildlife sightings.
Houses of GreenlandBig blue icebergs at glacier lagoon on IcelandWhale sighting in Polar waters!Midnight sun light, IlulissatPuffins on the Latrabjarg CliffsThe edge of Greenland's ice cap
Highlights
  • Sail through Prins Christian Sund's towering glaciers
  • See the incredible glaciers along Greenland's ice-carved coast
  • Experience Inuit culture through visits to fishing villages
  • Enjoy tasting tours of traditional Greenlandic and Icelandic foods.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and have a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, before embarking on the ship in the afternoon.

Day 2: Flatey Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet and hike across hiking trails that trace the path past the seasonal puffin population on the cliffs. 

Day 3-4: Westfjords

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enjoy a hike to a remote waterfall, a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery, or bike along the coast of the Westfjords. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the eider farm and learn about the down-cleaning process.  Get to know the capital of the Westfjords, Isafjordur, through a walking tour complete with local sights, sounds, and tastes. 

Day 5: Crossing the Denmark Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. The Strait is home to the world's largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck, and watch for wildlife as you sail across the continental shelf. 

Day 6: Exploring East Greenland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The coast of the world's largest island is etched with thousands of fjords, some of which reach back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Spend the day exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology. Ice permitting, sail deep into Skjoldungen fjord and soak in arrival to Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or in a kayak among the icebergs. 

Day 7: Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts far into the southern tip of Greenland, passing between soaring pinnacles and glaciers. Anchor off the small fishing village of Nanortalik, and go ashore to explore Greenland’s most southerly town, and meet local residents during a visit to their open air museum. Visit reconstructed longhouses and learn about the construction of traditional umiaks and kayaks.

Day 8-9: Qaqortoq & Tunulliarflik Fjord

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Qaqortoq and Tunulliarflik Fjord provide two-day insight into the culture and local interactions. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red's farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family's longhouse. Explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus. Visit the unofficial capital of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, which has just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, with houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700s. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are displayed. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq, the best-preserved Norse ruins in all of Greenland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Day 10: Nuuk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city by population, with some 19,000 inhabitants, experiencing tremendous cultural and economic growth. Watch for harp seals as you enter the harbor and take a walking tour with local residents to learn how the community has changed over the generations. At the National Museum, examine the extraordinary 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—a discovery featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story in 1985. The Arctic ice preserved these mummies so well that researchers have been able to study their tattoos, their medical conditions, and even what they ate.

Day 11: Evighed Fjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the early morning, the ship enters Evighed Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord), which winds picturesquely past steep mountains and stunning tidewater glaciers. In the far reaches of the fjord, take a Zodiac cruise along the face of one of the many glaciers or hike over glacial moraines to a waterfall. In the afternoon, conditions permitting, visit the small fishing community of Kangaamiut. Climb the small mountain behind the village to take in the views or walk through the village and photograph the colorful houses clustered on the seaside slope. 

Day 12: Sisimut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Upon arrival to Sisimiut, a former whaling port, enjoy your choice of guided walks through the sights and sounds of the village, including Dog Town or Sallinnguit, a small island with centuries of history from Inuit culture through colonization and current day industry. In your free time, enjoy a local food tasting, visit the open-air museum, or explore the local artisan workshops.  

Day 13-14: Ilulissat & Disko Bay

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Sail into Qeqertarsuup Tunua, also known as Disko Bay, and be welcomed by floating icebergs calved off the world's most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. Enjoy an extraordinary cruise aboard local boats among towering icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ilulissat Icefjord. Visit the town of Ilulissat and hike into the Sermermiut Valley, once an Inuit settlement and now home to a peaceful boardwalk overlooking the Icefjord. As you make your way north through Disko Bay, if ice conditions permit, follow the inside passage of Disko Island and trace the Nuussuaq Peninsula's shores as you watch for a glimpse of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. 

Day 15: Uummannaq & Qilakitsoq

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The village of Uummannaq sits on a tiny yet dramatic island in the Uummannaq Fjord, dominated by a massive peak rising at its center. Visit the town’s excellent community museum to see traditional clothing and tools, along with scenes of everyday life on these islands, and enjoy a stroll through the streets of this northern outpost.

In the afternoon, cross the fjord to the site of Qilakitsoq, an important archaeological site for Greenlanders, where eight mummies, dating back to 1475, were discovered in 1972. These eight individuals, all extraordinarily well-preserved women and children, were Thule people, the ancestors of the modern Inuit. Their discovery was featured on the cover of the February 1985 issue of National Geographic magazine. Adventurous hikers may make their own respectful journey up to the final resting place of these ancestors. 

Day 16: Exploring Greenland's Fjords

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail along Greenland’s fjords and look for Arctic foxes, whales, and—with luck—caribou. Paddle a kayak along the steep sides of the fjord or ride a Zodiac to see the glacially carved landscape up close.

Day 17: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark| Keflavik

Disembark in the arctic outpost of Kangerlussuaq and take a charter flight back to Iceland. Check into your hotel near the airport

Day 18: Return Home

Check out of your hotel and connect to your return flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Endurance

Bar
Dining Room
Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$23,586 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Cabin
Select a Date
Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers

Notes


Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 16 Dinners
  • 16 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Arctic Travel Guide

Favorite Arctic All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By